Meta CTO Advises Treating Relationships as Valuable Investments
In a recent blog post, Andrew “Boz” Bosworth, CTO of Meta, offered valuable insights on managing personal relationships. His advice likens emotional investments to stock portfolios. Bosworth emphasizes the importance of treating relationships as significant investments in one’s emotional economy.
Treating Relationships Like Investments
According to Bosworth, individuals should approach their relationships similarly to publicly traded securities. This means that:
- Your closest relations, such as parents and partners, represent major investments.
- Coworkers and acquaintances are akin to smaller holdings.
- Strangers and online critics hold no emotional stake at all.
He argues that the level of influence someone has on our self-worth should match the emotional investment made in them. For instance, an insignificant comment from a stranger should affect us as little as a stock decline of a company we don’t own.
The Importance of Rational Emotional Portfolios
Bosworth points out that many people grant emotional equity to individuals who have not rightfully earned it. He advises that emotional investments should be directed toward relationships that provide tangible returns.
He suggests a strategic approach: “Manage your emotional economy like any other portfolio: diversify wisely, invest intentionally, and don’t panic when the market dips.” This perspective encourages a rational approach to relationships.
Insights from a Seasoned Professional
Having been with Meta since 2006, Bosworth shares lessons learned throughout his career, often the hard way. His advice aims to guide others in optimizing their emotional economies.
On a separate note, Meta’s Q3 earnings report revealed a 9% decline in stock value during after-hours trading, highlighting the unpredictable nature of both financial and emotional investments.
